Can a Daily Report Card (DRC) Change Behavior? — Meta-Analysis + RCT Evidence

Target: Elementary-age children with ADHD (7 group-design studies, mean age 7.9) Type: MetaAnalysis Grade: B

3-Line Summary

What: The Daily Report Card (DRC) is a school-home communication tool where teachers record whether a child meets daily behavioral goals and share this with parents.
Who: A meta-analysis of 7 studies (272 participants) found that DRC significantly reduced teacher-rated ADHD symptoms (effect size g=0.36).
Results: A recent RCT (2025) also showed significant reductions in classroom rule violations and functional impairment among children with ADHD in special education.

daily-report-card meta-analysis behavioral-intervention home-school-communication teacher-rating

A DRC typically consists of 2–3 specific behavioral goals.
Research and practice link teacher feedback to positive reinforcement at home, such as praise or rewards.
It is advisable to discuss whether and how to implement a DRC with professionals (teachers, counselors).